Pakiam resigns, Vatican's prompt nod fuels speculation
RK AnandPublished: Dec 15, 2013 5:28 AM | Updated: Dec 15, 2013 9:55 AM
The legal tussle over the right to use the term ‘Allah’ has strained ties between the church and the government and now, the Vatican’s swift acceptance of the resignation of a top clergyman has led to speculation that contentious issue has something to do with it.
The legal tussle over the right to use the term ‘Allah’ has strained ties between the church and the government and now, the Vatican’s swift acceptance of the resignation of a top clergyman has led to speculation that the contentious issue has something to do with it.
In accordance with Canon Law, Murphy Pakiam (right) tendered his resignation as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur on his 75th birthday, which fell on Dec 6. The speed the Vatican accepted it has raised eyebrows.
A source close to the Catholic Church told Malaysiakini that the prompt acceptance could be a reflection of the Vatican’s disappointment with his handling of the Allah issue, which now rests with the Federal Court, the final legal avenue.
“Pakiam has always been viewed as being pro-establishment and as someone who was not prepared to rock the boat. He preferred not to get embroiled in controversies.
“His perceived mild stance on the Allah issue drew criticism from the clergy, as well as Catholics in general, who expected the archbishop to be more assertive and vocal,” said the source on condition of anonymity.
Courted criticism
He revealed that Pakiam’s decision to accept the honorific title of Tan Sri had also courted criticism in the past.
“Many felt that worldly rewards and titles should be shunned by those who are supposed to be dedicated to the service of God.
“In fact, Pakiam’s predecessor, Anthony Soter Fernandez was also offered an honorific title during his term as archbishop, but he had declined it,” added the source.
Pakiam, who hails from Perak, was ordained into the priesthood in 1964. He was appointed metropolitan archbishop of Kuala Lumpur in 2003.
He is also the former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei; and publisher of the Catholic weekly newspaper, The Herald.
The source also revealed that Rome’s envoy to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Marino, had submitted three names to the Vatican, one of whom would be chosen to succeed Pakiam.
“This is a highly confidential process and nobody knows whose names are on the list. The choice will be made upon the recommendation of the apostolic nuncio (Marino),” he said.
The source said prior to this, those speculated to take over from Pakiam are Bishop Sebastian Francis (right in photo) of the Penang Diocese, Fr Dr Clarence Devadass of the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese, Fr Michael Chua of the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese and Msgr Benard Paul of the Penang diocese.
In accordance with Canon Law, Murphy Pakiam (right) tendered his resignation as archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur on his 75th birthday, which fell on Dec 6. The speed the Vatican accepted it has raised eyebrows.A source close to the Catholic Church told Malaysiakini that the prompt acceptance could be a reflection of the Vatican’s disappointment with his handling of the Allah issue, which now rests with the Federal Court, the final legal avenue.
“Pakiam has always been viewed as being pro-establishment and as someone who was not prepared to rock the boat. He preferred not to get embroiled in controversies.
“His perceived mild stance on the Allah issue drew criticism from the clergy, as well as Catholics in general, who expected the archbishop to be more assertive and vocal,” said the source on condition of anonymity.
Courted criticism
He revealed that Pakiam’s decision to accept the honorific title of Tan Sri had also courted criticism in the past.
“Many felt that worldly rewards and titles should be shunned by those who are supposed to be dedicated to the service of God.
“In fact, Pakiam’s predecessor, Anthony Soter Fernandez was also offered an honorific title during his term as archbishop, but he had declined it,” added the source.
Pakiam, who hails from Perak, was ordained into the priesthood in 1964. He was appointed metropolitan archbishop of Kuala Lumpur in 2003.
He is also the former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei; and publisher of the Catholic weekly newspaper, The Herald.
The source also revealed that Rome’s envoy to Malaysia, Archbishop Joseph Marino, had submitted three names to the Vatican, one of whom would be chosen to succeed Pakiam.
“This is a highly confidential process and nobody knows whose names are on the list. The choice will be made upon the recommendation of the apostolic nuncio (Marino),” he said.The source said prior to this, those speculated to take over from Pakiam are Bishop Sebastian Francis (right in photo) of the Penang Diocese, Fr Dr Clarence Devadass of the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese, Fr Michael Chua of the Kuala Lumpur archdiocese and Msgr Benard Paul of the Penang diocese.
View Comments0